HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

The Top 5 Upgrades That Make Your Home Sell Over Asking

We were shocked by how much an outdoor TV is worth.

BY KATE MCGREGOR, AMANDA PENDLETON JUN 24, 2024

Preparing to sell your home is no small endeavor. From hiring a real estate agent and getting your home appraised to passing every inspection, selling your home is often a months long feat. One of the most important elements of selling your home is ensuring that you’re getting the most bang for your buck and maximizing your home’s asking price.

Of course, you can paint your front door and stage your home to give potential buyers the best first impression, but there are a few more simple projects you can check off that are proven to boost that sale price. According to Zillow, there are 10 home additions, ranging from simple swaps to full renovation projects, that can make your home sell for well above asking. New Zillow research finds outdoor TVs, outdoor showers, and outdoor kitchens can help homes sell for as much as 3.1 percent more than expected, according to Zillow trend expert Amanda Pendleton.

“These projects are pricey upgrades for a homeowner who’s in the middle of a renovation project,” Pendleton says. “But they are features valued by today’s home buyer who may be willing to pay a bit more to have them in their home. Certain little luxuries can put a home a head above the competition and make it stand out.”

If you’re looking to give your on-the-market home some momentum, opt for one of the 10 projects to make your home sell for more than you’re asking. We break down each project below.

 Outdoor TV

Percent Above Asking: 3.1

Average Cost to Complete: According to Angi, an outdoor TV/home theater system will run you at least $550. TV systems can cost between $500 and $5,000, depending on the TV size.

Zillow’s new research has found that homes equipped with an outdoor TV draw offers 3.1 percent more than expected—or $10,749 on a typical U.S. home. That’s a lot of return on a simple addition to your outdoor space. You’ll want to be sure to choose a TV unit that’s made specifically for outdoor use.

Soapstone Countertops

Percent Above Asking: 3.0

Average Cost to Complete: Soapstone slabs cost $70 to $120 per square foot on average, according to Caesarstone.

Soapstone is quickly becoming the most sought-after countertop stone for kitchens. Beloved by designers and chefs (like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, and Martha Stewart) alike, the stone is more durable than marble and easier to clean than other types of stone. “While it may come with a slightly higher price tag, this natural, nonporous stone can help a home sell for 3 percent more than expected,” Pendleton says. “This is compared with a 1.7 percent price premium for quartz and 0.5 percent for marble countertops.”

Matte Black Hardware

Percent Above Asking: 2.9

Average Cost to Complete: Hardware has a wide price range, so you could spend anywhere from $5 for a single cabinet pull to over $200 for shower fittings from a luxury retailer.

Often associated with modern and farmhouse interior design, matte black hardware is sought after by the majority of potential home buyers this year. The finish is versatile and won’t show fingerprints like stainless steel or brass finishes. Homes with matte black hardware can sell for up to 2.9 percent above asking.

Outdoor Shower

Percent Above Asking: 2.6

Average Cost to Complete: To install an outdoor shower, the average cost, including installation, is between $1,000 and $5,000, according to House Digest.

These days, buyers want the laid-back energy of a beachfront home in their own backyard. The addition of an outdoor shower can prompt potential buyers to offer up to 2.6 percent above asking.

Beverage Center

Percent Above Asking: 2.4

Average Cost to Complete: At Home Depot, undercounter refridgerators range from $600 for a dual-sided drinks fridge to more than $3,000 for drawer-style appliances with a paneled front that blends in with your cabinetry.

According to Pendleton, a beverage center is the new wine fridge. These functional features often include undercounter refrigerators that offer different temperature settings, ice drawers, and more. When a beverage center is mentioned in a for-sale home’s listing description, that home can sell for 2.4 percent more, compared with 0.9 percent more for a wine fridge.

If you already have a home bar, it’s time for a little rebrand. Home bars help a home sell for only 0.1 percent more than asking.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY KATE MCGREGOR, AMANDA PENDLETON JUN 24, 2024